England’s path to reaching the World Cup finals is clear now that plans have been drawn up. After an unconvincing 2-0 win against Panama on Saturday, Thomas Tuchel’s side topped Group L and secured a place in the round of 32.
The Three Lions will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, with the African nation in third place in Group K. Their path after that remains unclear, but not a mystery.
Every team knows their potential opponents until the finals. Fortunately for England, they sit in the opposite draw with the likes of Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.
But to get there, England need to win four knockout ties. Let’s analyze their path to the finals.
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Round of 32 vs DR Congo (Wednesday 1 July – 5pm UK time)
First up is DR Congo, a team England have never faced before. Newcastle striker Yoan Wissa’s goalless draw with Portugal should be a warning for the Three Lions.
After losing 1-0 against Colombia, Congo came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1, avoiding a shocking defeat that would have eliminated them from the tournament. But now Leopards have a chance to claim England’s scalp.
Round of 16 vs Mexico (Monday 6th July – 1am UK time)
There’s been a lot of talk about this match. They are expected to face co-hosts Mexico in sweltering weather at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca. Argentina and France are the only countries to have won all three group games, suggesting Mexico will need to beat Ecuador when they host Mexico on Wednesday.
However, the South Americans achieved a historic 2-1 victory over Germany, who finished third in Group E. Ecuador’s solid defense, which lost two games in qualifying and conceded just five goals, could be difficult for England to break through if they defeat Mexico, who have not won in the World Cup finals since the previous hosts 40 years ago.
Will England win the World Cup? Let us know your predictions in the comments section.
Mexico has home advantage against Ecuador (Image: Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Quarter-final vs Brazil (Saturday 11th July – 10pm UK time)
Now, things get serious. If England advance to the last eight, they are likely to face five-time champions Brazil in the heat of Miami.
But Carlo Ancelotti’s side must first get through a difficult round of 32 match against Japan before facing either Norway or Ivory Coast. England last faced Brazil in 2002, losing 2-1 in the quarter-finals.
Will they be able to take revenge? David Seaman would be delighted.
Semi-final vs Argentina (Wednesday 15th July – 8pm BST)
If England are lucky with that route, Argentina have hit the jackpot. Lionel Messi and his teammates will be handed to Cape Verde in the round of 32 and will face either Australia or Egypt in the last 16.
The holders will face Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia and Ghana in the quarter-finals. Argentina will be strong favorites against either of these teams, so England will need to be prepared to take on them.
Lionel Messi has scored six goals in three games for Argentina (Image: Pablo Morano/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Final vs Spain (Sunday 19th July – 8pm UK time)
Finally, the big one. With most of their European rivals on the other side of the draw, it would not be surprising to see England face familiar foes in New Jersey next month.
Spain enters the tournament as favorites to win despite being ranked lower than France by FIFA, and if both countries advance they will face France in the semi-finals. The Spaniards defeated England in Berlin two years ago, ending Gareth Southgate’s reign, but Tuchel may have the chance to get revenge on him.
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